2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2024 Kia EV9

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-coloured C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-coloured, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagonal shapes and an LED light bar. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were included on the 2LT trim, while other trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant colour options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful and exuberant touch. Two-tone paint jobs were available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. Interior colour choices expanded with higher trims, offering combinations like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Grey, and sportier options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new design direction for Kia EVs, with a blockier exterior reminiscent of digital clock numbers. Its body lines followed octagonal wheel arches, and the rear window angled sharply upwards. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with "Star Map" daytime running lights outlining the "Digital Tiger Face" grille. The LED headlights varied by trim, appearing as clusters of dashes or dots. The top Land trim offered a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with additional light points. The EV9's design was distinctly Kia, yet modernized with cutting-edge elements.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, which some found eerie but not uncommon in modern EVs. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, adjustable through regenerative braking settings or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 680 kilograms. It had an impressive range, with Natural Resources Canada estimating 513 kilometres for FWD models and 494 km for AWD. The vehicle supported DC fast charging up to 150 kW, regaining about 125 kilometres of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 charging at 11.5 kW, adding up to 55 km per hour.

The 2024 Kia EV9 Light trim was powered by a single motor, offering rear-wheel drive with 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated range of 370 kilometres. The Wind model featured a larger 99.8-kWh battery, reducing horsepower to 201 but increasing range to 489 kilometres. The top Land trim offered all-wheel drive with dual motors, producing 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 451 kilometres. The GT-Line trim prioritized performance, reducing range to 435 kilometres. The EV9's power delivery was smooth, with good handling and adjustable regenerative braking. It supported fast charging, reaching 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC charger.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's base model, 1LT, lacked heated front seats, steering wheel, and mirrors in the U.S., with Canadian availability unknown. The 2LT trim added these features, along with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and optional panoramic moonroof. The 3LT trim included power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was limited to 3LT and above. The Equinox EV offered 994 mm of front headroom and 978 mm in the second row, with 1,058 mm of front legroom. Cargo space was 748 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,620 litres with the second row folded.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 1,004 mm of headroom and 783 to 813 mm of legroom. It seated up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,231 litres with it folded, and 2,313 litres with only the front row in place. The EV9 featured a high and flat load floor for easy luggage retrieval. The front storage space was adequate, with a floating centre console and a large open compartment between the driver and front passenger.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's cockpit was dominated by technology, with a driver-oriented curved display. It featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which offered navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2024 Kia EV9 took the curved screen concept further, with three screens in a single display. It included a 12.3-inch driver information display, a 5-inch Climate Display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, were standard. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system. The EV9's connectedness was notable, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. It also featured rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. GM's Teen Driver Technology was standard, allowing parents to set speed alerts and produce a "report card" of the drive. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. The Blind-spot View Monitor was available on higher trims. The EV9 had not yet been rated by North American safety organizations but received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.